Atty. Sandra L. Knapp

Atty. Sandra L. Knapp

Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Sandra L. Knapp is a member of the Business Department at Gawthrop Greenwood and practices in the fields of Business Law, Commercial Transactions, Admiralty/Maritime Law, Real Estate Law, and Banking and Finance.

West Chester West Chester 40 J. Erfahrung 40 year
Call (610) 696-8225 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Sandra L. Knapp at a glance

Sandra L. Knapp is a maritime attorney based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, practicing at Gawthrop Greenwood PC. They have 40+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1986. Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania (1986) and New Jersey (1987). Educated at Villanova University (JD, 1986) and Lehigh University (BA International Studies, 1981). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026). Serands clients in West Chester, PA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

Über uns

  • Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, Sandra L. Knapp is a member of the Business Department at Gawthrop Greenwood and practices in the fields of Business Law, Commercial Transactions, Admiralty/Maritime Law, Real Estate Law, and Banking and Finance
  • She represents clients in a broad range of transactional and general corporate matters, including asset-based lending transactions, mergers and acquisitions, marine finance and vessel documentation, U.S.-based joint ventures for international companies, real estate, sale-leaseback transactions, construction contracts, leases and charters
  • She is frequently involved in multimillion-dollar financing and acquisition transactions for companies both nationally and internationally
  • In addition to financing matters, Sandy advises on maritime transportation regulatory matters, particularly on the coastwise trade of the United States and citizenship requirements
  • She has practiced in the Philadelphia area for over 35 years, representing clients throughout the United States and abroad
  • Sandy is a member of the Maritime Law Association of the United States, past Chair of its Marine Finance Committee and formerly a member of its Board of Directors
  • She is is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States
  • Sandy is active in the port community as well as the local Chester County community
  • In 2019, Sandy was named by the March of Dimes as a Chester County Woman of Achievement in Business
  • Since joining the firm, Sandy has served two, three-year terms as chair of the Gawthrop Greenwood Management Committee
  • Prior to joining Gawthrop Greenwood, she was the managing partner of Knapp McConomy Merlie LLP

Practice Areas Explained

Sandra L. Knapp's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Sandra L. Knapp handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Maritime & Admiralty Law

Maritime attorneys for Jones Act claims, longshore injury, cruise ship cases, and offshore matters.

Sandra L. Knapp is one of 11,568 maritime attorneys indexed nationally. Browse maritime attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Pennsylvania

Practicing law in Pennsylvania. Legal matters in Pennsylvania are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in West Chester are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Pennsylvania state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Pennsylvania courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Pennsylvania attorneys? Browse all attorneys in West Chester or all attorneys in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Sandra L. Knapp

Where is Sandra L. Knapp's law office located?
Sandra L. Knapp's law practice is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm is Gawthrop Greenwood PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Sandra L. Knapp handle?
Sandra L. Knapp focuses on maritime. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Pennsylvania.
How long has Sandra L. Knapp practiced law?
Sandra L. Knapp has 40+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1986.
Where did Sandra L. Knapp go to law school?
Sandra L. Knapp earned their education at (JD, 1986); (BA International Studies, 1981).
How can I contact Sandra L. Knapp for a consultation?
You can contact Sandra L. Knapp directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Sandra L. Knapp received?
Sandra L. Knapp's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law; Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:; Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law; Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law; Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law.

Education

JD
Villanova University
- 1986
BA International Studies
Lehigh University
- 1981

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Admiralty and Maritime Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Transportation Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry Female Business Leader of the Year 2022
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Main Line Today
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers 2014 - 2023
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Daily Local News
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyers 2021 - 2023
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Who's Who of Shipping and Maritime Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — March of Dimes - Chester County Woman of Achievement, Business Award 2019
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Brava! Women Business Achievement Award 2012
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — SmartCEO Magazine
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Women's International Trade Association - Woman of the Year Award
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Pennsylvania
Admitted: 1986
New Jersey
Admitted: 1987

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